Pylyshenko holds the Ukrainian record for the most time living with lions after he spent 35 days in a big cat enclosure in 2011. During the stint, he stayed in the cage the whole time, only eating the raw meat that was passed through the bars.

Due to the longer time period of the new challenge, he and the animals will split their time between the lions' den and his country house while still living together for the entire year.

It is unknown when the zookeeper will begin his challenge but it is likely to be within the next year.